Hurricane Melissa Shatters Records, Threatens Cuba After Slamming Jamaica
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Jamaica – Hurricane Melissa became the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in Jamaica late Monday, unleashing catastrophic winds and torrential rainfall across the island nation. The storm, packing sustained winds of 185 mph, shattered previous records and forced widespread evacuations. Melissa is now tracking northwest towards Cuba, where preparations are underway for its anticipated arrival Tuesday.
The unprecedented intensity of Hurricane Melissa underscores the increasing threat of rapidly intensifying storms linked to climate change. Jamaica’s infrastructure has suffered critically important damage,with reports of widespread power outages,flooded roads,and structural collapses. The storm’s impact extends beyond immediate destruction; it threatens food security and economic stability for the island nation and raises concerns about the vulnerability of Caribbean nations to extreme weather events. Scientists are closely monitoring Melissa’s path and intensity, predicting continued heavy rainfall and storm surge as it approaches Cuba.
The center in Lahti, north of Helsinki, is one of 43 awarded funding to rewild yards and to increase children’s exposure to nature’s microscopic biodiversity, as scientists seek to learn more about the importance of biodiversity on children’s health.
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